Green Lake County Wisconsin Biographies

Green Lake County, Wisconsin
Biographies

John Thomas Baxter
Source: Progressive men of Minnesota. Published by The Minneapolis Journal (1897) submitted by Diana Heser Morse

John Thomas Baxter is a lawyer practicing his profession at Minneapolis. His father, Thomas Baxter, was a miller, and was engaged in that business at Bangor, Wisconsin, at the time of his death in 1875. His mother's maiden name was Susannah Lewis. The subject of this sketch was born at Berlin, Wisconsin, October 14, 1863. He began his education in the common schools and attended the high school at West Salem, Wisconsin, walking back and forth, the distance of five miles, each day. In this way he made his preparation for college. He began his college course at Ripon, where he continued for three years. During his stay at Ripon college he earned his living as express messenger for the American Express Company, having a "night run," which took him away from home in the evening, brought him back in the morning, and thus enabled him to attend the college exercises in the day time. Mr. Baxter excels as a speaker, and represented his college in the Wisconsin state oratorical contest in his junior year. He took the first honors, and, therefore, represented Wisconsin in the interstate oratorical contest, held at Iowa City, in the spring of 1884. The same year he was elected president of the Wisconsin Collegiate Association. The course of study pursued by him was the classical, including Greek. At the end of his junior year he decided to drop out of college for a year and then finish his course at Williams College, to which he was attracted by the celebrated Dr. Mark Hopkins. He entered the junior class at Williams in 1885, and while there he was member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, which was the oldest college society at that institution, and the chapter to which Garfield had belonged. He was elected editor of the Williams Literary Monthly, and received the first junior prize in oratory. In his senior year he won the Graves prize for an essay on "The New Political Economy." At graduation he was awarded the Van Vechten prize, given at each commencement to that member of the graduating class, who, by a vote of the faculty and students, is declared the best extempore speaker of the class. This distinction was won in a class of sixty-six members. But the incident of his college course which possesses the most interest for Mr. Baxter, was the fact that he was the last student who ever recited under the venerable Dr. Mark Hopkins. It was a recitation in moral philosophy. Dr. Hopkins died just before the commencement at which Mr. Baxter graduated. Mr. Baxter came to Minneapolis in 1887, and began the study of law with Kitchel, Cohen & Shaw, and was admitted to the bar in 1889. He has been in active practice since 1890, and has been the secretary of the Minneapolis Bar Association since February, 1892. In politics he is a Republican, but is independent enough to vote for measures and men without much regard for party lines. He is a member of Park Avenue Congregational church. October 14, 1891 he married Gertrude Louise Hooker, daughter of William Hooker, of Minneapolis, and niece of the late Judge Hooker. They have two daughters, Beth and Helen.

John Baxter
Source: Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota. (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Marilyn Clore

BAXTER John T, Minneapolis. Res 4601 Fremont av, office 1105 Nicollet av. Lawyer. Born Oct 15, 1862 in Berlin Wis, son of Thomas and Susanna (Lewis) Baxter. Married 1891 to Gertrude Hooker. Graduated from Williams College Williamstown Mass A B 1887. Has practiced law 1890 to date; sec Minneapolis Bar Assn 1892-1905; gen counsel N W National Life Ins Co Minneapolis. Member Minneapolis Commercial and Six O’clock clubs; and American Bar Assn.

David F. Clark
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Liz Dellinger

CLARK David F. Minneapolis. Res 2110 Bryant av S. office 300 Lumber Exchange. Lumber. Born Oct 1, 1883 in Berlin Wis. Son of James and Elonor (Sloan) Clark. Married Dec 25, 1897 to Mary Sears. Educated in public schools Eureka Wis. Engaged in lumber business as member of firm of Osborne & Clark 1885 to date; pres Bank of Dallas Wis; stockholder State Bank of Ladysmith Wis; dir National Hardwood Lumber Assn 2 years; member executive committee 1 year; grading committee 9 ears. Member Wis Nat Guard 3 years. Member Minneapolis Commercial Club; Masonic order and Shrine.

Capt. David Evans
Capt. David Evans, one of the United States Revenue Marines, and a pioneer of the city of Berlin, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, was born on the 4th of July, 1817, in Merionetshire, North Wales, and is a son of David and Ellen (Roberts) Evans, who, were also natives of the same country, and were descended from families of long established worth and high repectability. Our subject attended school at Harlich, a seaport town of his native county, and when fifteen years old, some time in the spring of 1832, went to sea. He served the most of his apprenticeship on the "Swallow," of Carnarvon, sailing between Liverpool, Bangor, Carnarvon and New York in the emigrant trade. In 1837, when in his twenty-first year, he took command of a vessel sailing in the merchant service between Europe and America, and in 1840 built the "Gwen (or Winnifred) Evans," which was the first three-masted ship built in the principality of Wales. It sailed principally between Europe and Boston during the summer, making a voyage in the winter to some port on the Mediterranean Sea. On the 15th of December, 1844, that vessel was lost on Point Eunostus, or rather on an outline reef off that point, and just outside of the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. The lighthouse, which had stood there from the time immemorial, had been removed a few weeks previous to the misfortune, and no public statement made of it.
On his return home, in 1845, Capt. Evans, at the owner's request, went to Holland to rescue a valuable ship which had been stranded near Texel.
He succeeded admirably in his mission, rescuing the vessel, named the "Jane and Eliza," that for fourteen years was classed A. 1 at Lloyd's. Next he commanded the ships "Northumberland" and "Oregon." In 1847 the latter took 4,000 bales of cotton from New Orleans, and drawing eighteen feet of water stuck on the bar in the Southwest Pass. After several days' detention she was extricated, and proceeded to Liverpool. This was said to have been the heaviest cargo of cotton ever taken from the Crescent City to Europe in those days. In the latter part of 1849 Capt. Evans, becoming tired of the "Oregon," negotiated for the bark "Jane Tudor," which had been newly built in Bath, Me., and which was but a few hundred tons smaller than the "Oregon." He fitted her up in elegant style, with all modern improvements, and chartered her for San Francisco with a general cargo and passengers. He made a very successful voyage around Cape Horn, reaching San Francisco in the height of the gold excitement in 1850. While many vessels lay in that port deserted by their crews, who had been lured from the fulfillment of their contracts with the masters by the glittering temptation of sudden riches, Capt. Evans' men remained true to him, and after discharging cargo took the vessel on its way. The Captain returned by the way of the west coast of South America and Cape Horn to Europe, whence he continued on his way to Bombay, India, retaining almost the same crew which had gone with him to San Francisco during the gold fever. After several long voyages he was induced to take command of the steamship "Arno," of Liverpool, the first steamer which sailed from that port to the Mediterranean Sea.
Although in command of a beautiful ship and in a pleasant line of trade, Capt. Evans felt that he would enjoy a change. He had made many long voyages, and found his health impaired from sojourns in unhealthy climates, so conceived the idea that he would go to the great West. In 1853, much against the remonstrances of the owners of his ship in Liverpool, he left her and his beautiful home in Carnarvon, North Wales, and came to Wisconsin, joining his relatives who had preceded him several years. He settled in Berlin, then Marquette County, in the summer of 1853, and has since made his home in that community. Not readily finding help to carry on a large farm, he bought a sawmill that had just been finished, and began the manufacture of lumber without delay. The great panic of 1857 made the business outlook discouraging, and the captain again longed for the sea. He went to Boston, where he bought and took command of the "Chesapeake," of that city, a fine large bark, with which he sailed in the trade of the West Indies, the Gulf of Mexico and South America. Until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, when that line of travel proved uncertain and unprofitable, he chartered for England and took a cargo from Philadelphia to Her Majesty's Dock Yards, at Portsmouth, England. From there he sailed to Antiqua, West Indies, thence to the Bay of Honduras, where he loaded for the Queen's Dock Yards, at Chatham, England. Being in London daily, he there learned of the defeat of the Union troops at the battle of Bull Run, and seeing that the affairs of the country were getting worse daily, he concluded to return home and offer his services to the Government. Consequently he went by Newcastle for coal to Boston, and immediately on arriving in that city, sold his ship and tendered his services to the navy department of the United States. He had an opportunity, which he accepted, to go out to the San Francisco mint with a friend, in charge of some treasure. On arriving at San Francisco, he was appointed a member of the Naval Board, to examine some young officers at Port Townsend, and was there appointed a Third Lieutenant in the United States Revenue Marine Service, and remained on that side during the year. He then returned to the East for examination, and on his arrival at Washington was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, with the promise of further promotion if he could pass a higher examination. He then went on board the frigate "Savannah," but having passed an examination for First Lieutenant, was ordered to the steam craft "Naugautuck," and thence to the command of the new revenue steam cutter "Kewaunee," built at Baltimore by Robb & Co. A few days after assuming command, a fear was expressed by the citizens of Baltimore that a raid would be made by the rebel, Gilmore, and the authorities expected the Captain to place the ship in the best position to defend the city. There were no commissioned officers on board except Mr. Evans, but he had a good set of warrant officers and a few good men were sent him from Washington. He consulted Gen. Morris, by whom he was supplied with fixed ammunition for his eight 24-pounders, "Dahlgren," and some for the 30-pounder, "Parrot." He hauled the ship to the stream and put springs on his cable. Picking out an efficient crew in the custom house and around the streets, he drilled them until they were excellent gunners, and kept them under arms three or four days. In the meantime, all the banks in the city sent their treasure aboard, and the custom house placed $500,000 under the care of Capt. Evans. In all, the treasure of which he had charge amounted to $13,000,000, which was in strong casks that he stowed in the new magazine. They were now ready to receive Gilmore, but he did not make his appearance, so Capt. Evans disbanded his hastily-gathered crew, and returned to Gen. Morris his ammunition, and the banks and custom house their moneys. Shortly afterward, he received on board all the necessary ammunition and small arms as well as several commissioned officers, and was prepared for active duty. But a short time had elapsed, when he was ordered to New York, where he was assigned to special duty and detached from the ship. After several months, he was ordered to the command of the "Verona," and later the "Tiger," and was on the latter vessel when the news of the assassination of President Lincoln reached him. Some time later he was assigned to the position of executive officer of the "Cuyahoga," with Capt. Faunce. About the same time the "Salmon P. Chase" was completed, it being one of six sidewheel steamers for the inland lakes, and this one was designed for Lake Ontario. Capt. Cornell, who superintended their building, made application to the department for Capt. Evans to take her up with him to Ogdensburg, N.Y., by way of Quebec and Montreal; which he did, arriving late in the fall of 1865. He was then ordered by telegraph to Baltimore, Md., to take the steamer "John A. Dix" thence to Key West, Fla. The following spring he was ordered to the "New Dix," at Detroit. While there, the revenue steamer "Johnson," in command of Capt. Francis Martin, came there to take Gen. Sherman's staff to Lake Michigan, but by permission of the department, Capt. Evans made a change with the executive officer of the "Johnson," who paid all expenses, although Capt. Evans got the best of the bargain, as he, by this arrangement, went to his home port. In that way he first placed on the station of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan, where he served so many years afterward at different times. In the spring of 1867 he was promoted to a captaincy, and was ordered to the old cutter "Morris," in Mobile Bay. The "Morris" needed repairs, and the Captain was ordered to take her to Baltimore, where she was condemned and sold. In the summer of 1869 he went to San Francisco, on his way to Alaska, in accordance with instructions, and after considerable detention in that city, obtained transportation for Sitka, Alaska, arriving at his destination fourteen days out. He then relieved Capt. Henriques of command of the steamer "Lincoln," and immediately prepared for a cruise in the Behring Sea. He visited all the Aleutian and Seal Islands. At St. Paul's, where most of the seals are caught, he remained several days, and during that time he had the misfortune to lose a boat's crew of five good men, by the capsizing of a gig in which they were going ashore for their captain.
Capt. Evans cruised in that sea during the season, visiting Onalaska several times, and in the fall went to Sitka, where he spent the winter. In the spring he was obliged to go to San Francisco for repairs, and in the summer of 1870 was ordered to Milwaukee to command the "Johnson," of which he had charge several years. He rebuilt the ship in Milwaukee, and was relieved by Capt. Davis in 1882, at which time he was sent to command the "Commodore Perry," with headquarters at Erie, Pa. He held a survey on her the following winter, and reported advising a new iron cutter; and they now have on that station one of the finest cutters afloat. In 1883 he was ordered to Galveston, Tex., to command the steam cutter "McLean," and cruised from the Rio Grande to New Orleans. He was subsequently transferred to the steam cutter "W. H. Seward," on the same coast, where he continued until April 15, 1885, when, his health having become impaired from climatic causes, he was detached from the "Seward" on waiting orders, since which time he has been at home. On leaving his ship, Capt. Evans was presented by his subordinate officers with an elegant gold-headed cane bearing an appropriate inscription expressive of their warm regard.
The parents of the Captain emigrated with their children from Wales to the United States, in 1846, and settled at Columbus, Wis., whence, in 1850, they removed to Berlin. There was a large family of children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom only four are now living - Capt. David and three brothers. Mr. Evans was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics, and a very worthy man. His death occurred in April, 1854, and his estimable wife survived her husband but a few years. They are buried side by side in the Berlin Cemetery.
Capt. Evans has been twice married, and both times in his native country. He was married, in 1841, to Miss Catherine Morris, daughter of William Morris, and one child, Ellen, was born, but the mother and daughter both died in 1843. In February, 1845, the Captain wedded Miss Ellen Lloyd, daughter of Capt. Richard Lloyd, and four children were born of their union, two sons and two daughters. David, the eldest, wedded Miss Mary Thomas, and is farming near Berlin; Richard L. is unmarried, and resides with his parents; Elizabeth is the wife of J. C. Fairweather, of Minneapolis; Nettie A. married Charles B. Wadleigh, of Minneapolis. Capt. Evans and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of Berlin. The Captain is Republican in the broadest sense of the word, and is an earnest advocate of the broad principles of human liberty on which the government and the institutions of the country are founded. During all the years in which he has served the Government he has proved a most competent and trusty officer, and has been so zealous and prudent in the discharge of duty that he has never through any fault of his caused the Government the loss of a dollar's worth of property; while his ability, fidelity and integrity have always commanded the confidence and respect of the department officers under whom he has served. He has had a wide and varied experience of the world, having visited in the course of his seafaring life many ports of civilized nations, and some countries of the uncivilized and barbarous. He is a man ripe in the experience of the sea, a skillful navigator and thorough seaman. His success in his chosen vocation, which has been marked, has been won by careful study, keen observation and close application, together with an earnest and conscientious endeavor to do his whole duty under all circumstances, both by his employers and his crew. Following the natural humane impulses of his heart, he has seldom, if ever, failed to win the utmost confidence and respect of his officers and men, by showing due regard for their comfort and welfare, while treating all with justice, kindness and firmness. While in his seventy-third year, Capt. Evans is still hale and hearty, with mental faculties in full vigor, and to the casual observer would appear but little past his prime. Should his return to active service be required, it is evident that he would again tread the quarter-deck with as firm a step as ever. The Captain has a fine farm of sixty-four acres, situated within the city of Berlin, near the western limits, with a tasty and commodious residence facing Broadway, which is situated in well-kept grounds, shaded by forest trees. In this pleasant home he is content to pass his well-earned hours of ease in the company of his family and friends.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1890. - Submitted by Amanda Jowers]

Thomas Hamilton
Thomas Hamilton is one of the progressive citizens of Marquette, Wis., and the history of his life is as follows: he was born in Bishops Corner, Granville, Washington Co., N.Y., on the 8th of March, 1814, and is a son of Levi Hamilton, a native of Massachusetts, born in 1786. He participated in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of Plattsburg. He married Rachel Dewey, a native of Rutland County, Vt., and they settled in Granville, N.Y., where were born to them seven children: John A., who became a resident of Clinton County, Mich., where his death occurred; Sarah, who became the wife of Martin Wheeler, and died at her home in Cattaraugus County, N.Y.; Thomas, our subject; Harvey, of Green Lake County; Mindwell became the wife of Mr. Bullock, of Mich., where she passed away; William, one of the early settlers of this county, died in 1874; and Betsey E. became the wife of Joseph Eastland, and died in Cattaraugus County, N.Y. In 1820 Mr. Hamilton removed with his family to Queensbury, Warren Co., N.Y., where the death of his wife occurred in 1829. He then removed to the West and died in Michigan. Both were members of the Congregational Church, in which he served as deacon for many years. They made friends wherever they went, and were highly respected people.
Our subject acquired his education in the district schools of Queensbury and Glens Falls, and on arriving at man's estate was united in marriage, in Warren County, N.Y., in 1835, with Mary B. Harris, daughter of William B. and Clara (Bates) Harris. They began their domestic life in the county where their marriage was solemnized, but afterward removed to Saratoga County, and subsequently became residents of Troy, N.Y., where they made their home until 1855, which year witnessed their emigration to the West. They chose Green Lake County as the scene of their future operations, and settled on section 17, in the town of Green Lake, where Mr. Hamilton purchased a partly improved farm. For a number of years he continued to make farming his principal occupation, and on selling out in Green Lake Township, bought land in the town of Mackford, which he continued to cultivate until 1870, when he came to Marquette, where he has since made his home.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, but two died in infancy, and in all probability James, the third child, is also dead. He left home when seventeen years of age and shipped on a whaling vessel. He wrote to his parents from Honolulu, but since that letter no word has ever been received; so it is not certainly known whether he is numbered among the living or the dead. They have also adopted three children, upon whom they bestowed all the care and attention of true parents, and have won the lasting gratitude and love of the son and daughters who would probably otherwise have been homeless. The adopted children are Alida C., Frederick, and Rettie K. The lives of this worthy couple are full of acts of kindness and deeds of charity and benevolence which will cause them never to be forgotten while memory lasts. They stand high in the estimation of their fellow citizens and deserve the great respect tendered them. In 1840, as a supporter of the Whig party, Mr. Hamilton cast his ballot for William Henry Harrison, and in 1888, as a Republican, he voted for Hon. Benjamin Harrison, the illustrious grandson of the Tippecanoe hero.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1890. - Submitted by Amanda Jowers]

William P. Harmon
Little Sketches of Big Folks in Minnesota (Publ. 1907) Transcribed by Richard Ramos

HARMON William P, Minneapolis. Res 1905 Penn av S, office 524 2d av S. Printer. Born March 31, 1865 in Princeton Wis, son of Hiram H and Luanna (Phelps) Harmon. Married June 3, 1890 to Mary Edna Clark. Educated in common schools. Learned printer’s trade and engaged in same Milwaukee until 1888; in Minneapolis 1888-94; edited Princeton (Wis) Republican 1894-96; sec and treas Hahn & Harmon Co Inc printers Minneapolis 1896 to date. Member Commercial and Publicity clubs and Masonic fraternity.

Gibson A. Richards
HISTORY OF RENVILLE COUNTY MINNESOTA Vol. 1, by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Published by H. C. Cooper Jr, & Co., Chicago (1916) Submitted by Veneta McKinney

GIBSON A. RICHARDS was born in Mackford township Green Lake county, Wisconsin, January 16, 1857, son of Thomas and Anna (King) Richards. Thomas Richards was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was the only one of the family to come to America. Gibson received his early education in the country school and became a farmer, coming to his present place in Renville county in 1878, where he secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 19, Boon Lake township. Here he erected a frame building 12 by 16 feet and 7 feet high and also a straw barn. After two years he obtained a team of horses. When he married his wife brought him three cows. The first market was at Hutchinson and later at Stewart. He prospered and had good crops, and has increased his farm to 320 acres and made many improvements on the house and barns. He keeps a good grade of stock. Mr. Richards served on the township board for thirteen years and has been chairman of the board for the past two years. He also held office on the school board. He helped organize the Lake Side creamery and has held office on the board as one of the directors. He is also a stockholder of the Buffalo Lake Farmers' Elevator. He is a steward of the local Methodist Episcopal church, which he help to build. Mr. Richards was married July 20, 1879, to Martha J. Potter. In 1879 she taught the first subscription school and also taught three other terms in the district school. For teaching her first school she received $18 a month and she had to pay $2 a week for board. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have four children: William, who is at home; Linnie, who died at the age of nine years; Roy, who is a farmer of Boone Lake township and Eugene C, a farmer in Boone Lake township.

Chase L. Sargent
Chase L. Sargent, one of the early settlers of Green Lake County, Wis., is engaged in farming and stock raising in the town of Marquette, his farm comprising a part of section 1, township 14, range 11. His birth occurred on the 1st of September, 1825, in Lincoln, Addison County, Vt. His father, Moses Sargent, was born in 1774 and married Miss Sally Durfey, who was born in 1787, The former was a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Connecticut and both were reared in the faith of the Society of Friends. But two children were born unto them, sons, Chase L. and Daniel H., who died in Lincoln, Vt. The parents are also now deceased, they too having passed away in the Green Mountain State.
Mr. Sargent, whose name heads this sketch, received his primary education in the common schools and completed his studies in the high school of his native town. His early life was uneventful, his boyhood days being passed mid play and work greatly as that of other lads. At length he attained to manhood and on the 1st of November, 1846, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary A. Brown, daughter of Lucius and Ann Brown, who emigrated to Green Lake County in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent resided at Lincoln, Vt., until 1849, when in this county at an early day, they emigrated to the new State of Wisconsin. They came with the intention of making this their permanent home and they have here since continued to reside. Mr. Sargent located on section 1, township 14, in the town of Marquette, and the following year removed to the farm which has now been his home for forty years. He has been a witness of the growth and development which has taken place since that time, has aided in the upbuilding of town and county and has bore his share in the promotion of its public enterprises which were calculated to benefit the community. His farm, one of the best in the neighborhood, comprises 100 acres of arable land all under a high state of cultivation. There is found all the necessary improvements, the home is a pleasant and tasty dwelling and the entire surroundings indicate the owner to be a man of industrious and energetic habits. Although he has labored long and and earnestly to provide his family with a pleasant home and surround them with all which goes to make life worth the living, he has yet found time to serve his fellow citizens in official positions. He is a strong Democrat in politics and in 1859 was elected by that party to the position of Clerk of the county board of supervisors, which office he held until 1871, covering a period of twelve years. For four years, he discharged the duties of Town Clerk and in 1871, was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace which he has since held with the exception of about one year. Faithful to every duty imposed upon him and true to the trust reposed in him, he has won the confidence of all. He was formerly a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Marquette Lodge, No. 102, but is now released from its charter.
Mr. and Mrs. Sargent are the parents of nine children - Joel, who is now living in Plover, Portage County, Wis.; Lucy A., wife of W. H. Bedford, a resident of Holt County, Neb.; Daniel, superintendent of Caw Caw Club, at Marquette; Edison W., whose home is in Holt County, Neb.; Clarissa, who was Postmistress under Cleveland in Marquette; Chase L., who is an engineer in the employ of the Milwaukee Northern Railroad; Grant, Sewell and Lois.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1890. - Submitted by Amanda Jowers]

John Williams
John Williams, now deceased, was among the pioneer settlers of Green Lake County. He was born in Wales, in April, 1794, and in that community the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. On attaining his majority he married Guenn Griffiths, who was a native of the same county in which her husband was born. They were the parents of nine children, but several died previous to the emigration of the family to the new world. William died at the age of fourteen years; Laura died in infancy; the third child, also named Laura, became the wife of William Carter, one of the early settlers of this county and died in 1867; Hugh died in Wales when an infant; Hugh, the second of that name is now a contractor and builder in Chicago; Griffith J. makes his home in this county and is represented elsewhere in this volume; Richard is a resident of Green Lake County; William is now superintendent of a large mine owned by a New York company and has his headquarters at Sunshine, Colo.; Jane, the youngest, is deceased.
In the early spring of 1849, Mr. Williams, accompanied by his family left his native land sailed for America. On reaching New York, and he went by canal to Buffalo and thence by steamer to Milwaukee. Two months had elapsed from the time when he embarked until he reached his destination. He first located on section 28 in the town of Manchester, where he purchased 224 acres of land. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He at once erected a log cabin, which was known as "the castle" as it was the highest building in the state at that time. He then devoted his entire energies to the development of a farm and in the course of time the broad acres paid a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. He made many excellent improvements, erected all the necessary buildings and in a few short years had a comfortable house for himself and family. He continued to engage in farming until his death, which occurred in 1874. He survived his wife about fourteen years, she having been called home in 1860, aged 65 years. Mr. Williams was ever ready to support the interests of the community which tended to promote the general welfare and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. He was an earnest Christian gentleman, a member of the Calvanistic Church and was respected by all who knew him.
[Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1890. - Submitted by Amanda Jowers]

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